Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground, Prior Lake, MN

Hey there, fellow Minnesotans! When the call of the great outdoors beckons, but you don't want to venture too far from the convenience of the Twin Cities metro area, where do you turn? Many savvy locals are discovering the hidden gem that is Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground in Prior Lake. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it's a gateway to a myriad of outdoor activities, offering a unique blend of serene natural beauty and accessible recreational opportunities.

Minnesota, with its abundance of lakes, forests, and regional parks, provides endless possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cleary Lake Regional Park stands out by offering a compact yet comprehensive experience. Imagine waking up to the quiet sounds of nature, then stepping out to a paved trail system, a lake perfect for non-motorized water sports, or even a golf course, all within the same park. While it might have a limited number of RV sites, this often translates to a more private and peaceful camping experience, making you feel like you have the whole place to yourself.

In this article, we'll dive deep into what makes Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground a highly recommended spot for local Minnesotans. We'll explore its strategic location, detail the extensive services and features it provides, and highlight why it's a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy camping, recreation, and relaxation close to home. Get ready to uncover your next favorite outdoor escape right here in our beloved Land of 10,000 Lakes!

Introduction / Overview

Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground, situated in Prior Lake, Minnesota, offers a unique and appealing camping experience within the expansive Cleary Lake Regional Park. Managed by the Three Rivers Park District, this campground is celebrated for its quiet atmosphere and convenient access to a wide array of recreational activities. Unlike larger, sprawling campgrounds, Cleary Lake provides a more intimate setting, making it particularly attractive to those seeking a sense of privacy and seclusion, even while being remarkably close to the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

The campground offers diverse camping options, including dedicated tent-only sites, two well-equipped RV sites with full hookups, and three spacious group campsites, accommodating various camping styles and group sizes. RV campers have noted the unique "pull-through" design of the concrete pads, which are generously sized and include essential amenities like fire pits and trash cans. This design, while initially seeming "a little tricky," ultimately contributes to a feeling of having "the whole place to ourselves," enhancing the overall tranquility.

Beyond the immediate camping area, the regional park itself is a hub of activity. Visitors can enjoy a picturesque 3-mile paved trail system encircling Cleary Lake, perfect for walking, running, and biking. The park also boasts a public golf course, opportunities for non-motorized water sports on the lake (with rentals available for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and paddle boats), and designated areas for fishing and even swimming at a designated beach. While the lake's water quality has been noted as sometimes being weedy, silty, and green-colored, it still supports fishing, and the various recreational options ensure there's always something to do. Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground is highly recommended for Minnesotans seeking a convenient, quiet, and amenity-rich camping spot near the Twin Cities, offering a comprehensive outdoor experience that goes beyond just camping.

Location and Accessibility

Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground is ideally located at 18106 Texas Ave, Prior Lake, MN 55372, USA. This address places it squarely within the Three Rivers Park District, a network of regional parks highly valued by Minnesotans for their accessibility and diverse offerings. For residents of the Twin Cities metro area, this location is exceptionally convenient, providing a quick and easy escape into nature without the need for extensive travel. It’s close enough for a weekend getaway or even a day trip, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous outdoor adventures.

The park's accessibility extends beyond just its geographical proximity. The paved trail system that encircles Cleary Lake is easily accessible from the campground, offering immediate opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying scenic views. Furthermore, its location near the park's visitor center and watercraft rental area means essential services and recreational opportunities are just a short stroll away. While the specific RV sites are described as having a unique "pull-in" and "pull-through" design that might require a little maneuvering for larger rigs, the concrete pads are spacious and well-maintained. The park's well-established road network ensures smooth access for various vehicles, from cars to RVs. Being situated in Prior Lake also provides convenient access to local amenities outside the park, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and other services, ensuring a comfortable and well-supported camping experience. This blend of natural seclusion and urban proximity makes Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground highly accessible and desirable for Minnesotans looking to maximize their outdoor recreation time.

Services Offered

RV Sites: Two specific RV sites (Site One and Site Two) with full hookups (electric, water, sewer likely).
Tent-Only Sites: 25 designated sites for traditional tent camping.
Group Campsites: Three spacious sites available for larger groups.
Concrete Pads: Spacious, level concrete pads at RV sites for comfortable setup of tables and chairs.
Fire Pits: Available at each campsite for campfires and outdoor cooking.
Trash Cans: Conveniently located at campsites for waste disposal.
Restroom Facilities: Available within the park, likely near the campground area.
Shower Facilities: Available for campers.
Dump Station: A facility for RVers to empty waste tanks.
Watercraft Rentals: Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and paddle boats available for rent to enjoy Cleary Lake.
Visitor Center: A central hub for information and park services, located conveniently near the campground.
Public Golf Course: An attached 9-hole public golf course within the park.
Paved Trail System: Extensive paved trails encircling Cleary Lake, accessible directly from the campground, suitable for walking, running, and biking.
Designated Fishing Areas: Opportunities for fishing in Cleary Lake.
Swimming Beach: A designated beach area for swimming in the lake.
Wedding/Event Shelters: Shelters available for rent, capable of hosting large gatherings or events.

Features / Highlights

Proximity to Twin Cities: A major highlight, offering a convenient escape without long travel times.
Quiet and secluded camping: Despite being near the metro, the campground provides a peaceful experience, often feeling private.
Variety of camping options: Caters to RVs, tents, and large groups.
Direct trail access: Super close to the paved trail system around Cleary Lake, excellent for active pursuits.
Water access and rentals: Easy access to Cleary Lake for non-motorized water sports, with on-site rentals.
On-site public golf course: Adds a unique recreational option directly within the park.
Family-friendly amenities: Large grassy fields behind campsites for playing with kids and pets, and a designated swimming beach.
Scenic views: Beautiful views of the lake and surrounding natural areas.
Spacious RV pads: Concrete pads offer ample space for outdoor living at RV sites.
Dog-friendly: Pets are allowed to explore the grassy fields (likely on leash, as per typical park rules).
Versatile park offerings: Beyond camping, the park offers hiking, biking, fishing, and more.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a regional park campground managed by the Three Rivers Park District, Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground typically operates on a standardized fee structure rather than offering frequent, commercially-driven "promotions" like seasonal discounts or coupon codes. However, the value proposition for Minnesotans comes from several inherent benefits and transparent pricing:

Consistent and Reasonable Rates: Regional parks often maintain competitive and accessible pricing for their camping sites and recreational activities, focusing on providing affordable public access to nature. Information regarding specific rates for RV and tent sites can be found on the Three Rivers Park District official website.
Three Rivers Park District Membership Benefits: While not a direct "promotion" for the campground itself, locals who frequently use Three Rivers Park District facilities might benefit from annual permits or memberships that provide value across various parks, including discounted access to certain activities or events. It's always worth checking if such programs indirectly benefit camping.
Value of Included Amenities: The presence of full hookups at RV sites, fire pits, picnic tables, and access to clean restrooms and showers are standard inclusions that add significant value to the camping fee. Similarly, the availability of a large playground, expansive grassy fields for play, and direct access to miles of paved trails and the lake for various activities, all contribute to a comprehensive recreational package.
Convenience and Proximity: For Twin Cities residents, the ability to enjoy a full camping and outdoor experience so close to home is a major draw in itself. This eliminates long travel times and fuel costs, effectively acting as an ongoing saving for local users.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping fees, any available package deals (such as for watercraft rentals or golf), or details on Three Rivers Park District passes that might offer overall savings, Minnesotans should visit the official Three Rivers Park District website or contact Cleary Lake Regional Park directly using the provided phone numbers.

Contact Information

To inquire about camping reservations, current site availability, watercraft rentals, golf tee times, or any other details regarding Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground and its extensive offerings, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 18106 Texas Ave, Prior Lake, MN 55372, USA

Phone: (763) 694-7777

Mobile Phone: +1 763-694-7777 (This number is the same as the main phone, serving as a direct line to the Three Rivers Park District customer service or the park office).

For specific inquiries, especially regarding RV site access ("pull-through" guidance) or the exact status of lake conditions for fishing, a direct phone call is highly recommended. The Three Rivers Park District website is also an excellent resource for detailed information on park hours, activity schedules, and reservation policies for both camping and other amenities. It's always best to make reservations, especially for the limited RV sites and during peak seasons, to ensure your spot at this popular regional park.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us Minnesotans, Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground truly stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination, offering a perfect blend of natural escape and convenient access right here in the Twin Cities metro area. Its unique combination of amenities and serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most compelling reasons for its suitability is its proximity. We love our lakes and parks, but often, getting to a secluded spot means a long drive. Cleary Lake offers a genuine "camping spot near the Twin Cities" where you can transition from city life to nature in a short amount of time, saving on travel and maximizing your relaxation. Despite this proximity, the campground maintains a surprisingly "quiet" atmosphere, and with only two RV spots (alongside tent and group sites), it often feels like you "practically had the whole place to yourselves," as one happy camper noted. This sense of privacy is a major draw for those seeking true tranquility.

Beyond just camping, the park itself is a hub of activity. The "lovely and easy" paved trail system encircling Cleary Lake is perfect for our love of biking, walking, and running, offering beautiful views along the way. The availability of watercraft rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards directly at the lake means you can easily get out on the water and enjoy our state's iconic lakes, even if you don't own your own equipment. And for those who enjoy a round of golf, having a public course attached to the park adds another fantastic recreational dimension, all within walking distance of your campsite.

While the lake might be "weedy and full of silt" at times, it still offers fishing opportunities and a designated swimming beach, providing various ways to engage with the water. The spacious concrete RV pads with fire pits and trash cans, along with a large grassy field for kids and pets, demonstrate the park's commitment to comfortable and enjoyable stays. Cleary Lake Regional Park Campground truly delivers on its promise of a comprehensive, convenient, and calming outdoor experience for every Minnesotan looking for a local adventure.